Turks and Caicos Festivals

Most events are linked to the sea and land-based activities are tacked on to regattas or fishing tournaments. In Providenciales the billfishing tournament (see Beaches & Watersports) is a big event with lots of parties every night. Provo Day festivities follow Emancipation Day in August. Festivities culminate in the choosing and inauguration of Miss Turks and Caicos Islands, who competes in international beauty pagents. On Grand Turk a fishing tournament, Klati Carnival Festival, Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cactus Fest are held in August, with competitions for sports, costumes, bands and gospel; there is a float parade, dancing and an art exhibition. On North Caicos, Festarama is in July where girls compete in beauty pageants along with float parades and entertainment by local and international artists. The B.E.T. song festival, a blend of music and poetry, has become the most popular festivity here. There is always something to do in the TCI, from dining to the music of live junkanoo bands, to discos and karaoke., October's junkanoo carnival at the North Caicos Extravaganza; on Middle Caicos, Expo is in August; on South Caicos the Regatta with associated activities is in May. Valentines Day 2009 was celebrated in grand cultural style on beautiful, Bambarra Beach, Middle Caicos. Over 150 locals, residents and visitors from near and far attended the Ninth Annual Valentines Day Cup Model Sailboat Races. please email middlecaicos@tciway.tc or call Daniel O. Forbes on 1-649-232-6132. Mark your calendars for next festival. Model Sailboat Fleet Annual Ashcroft School Spring Fling Silent Auction. Middle Caicos Co-op Exhibit: "Portraits of Middle Caicos" a exhibition.

Public Holidays:
New Year’s Day, Commonwealth Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, National Heroes Day (end May), the Queen’s birthday (second week in June), Emancipation Day (beginning of August), National Youth Day (end-September), Columbus’ Day and Human Rights Day (both in October), Christmas Day and Boxing Day.